Mimusops elengi L.

Scientific Name: Mimusops elengi L.

Family: Sapotaceae

Common Name: Spanish cherry

Hindi Name: मौलसरी

Description: Evergreen trees, to 20 m high Leaves simple, alternate, spiral, stipulate; stipules lanceolate, caducous; petiole 15-40 mm long, slender, grooved above, pubescent;elliptic or elliptic-oblong, base round or obtuse, Flowers bisexual, white, fragrant, 1-3 in axillary fascicles, pedicel 1 cm long; calyx lobes 8 in 2 series of 4 each, thick, outer lanceolate, valvate, pubescent; petals 9 mm long, lobes with 2 dorsal appendages, corolla 1 cm across; lobes 24, 3 series of 8 each, with hairs on back and margins, acuminate; stamens 8, alternating with pilose staminodes; filaments 1 mm, anthers oblong, cordate, 3 mm, connectives apiculate; staminodes lanceolate, acuminate, fimbricate, pilose; ovary 0.1-0.15 cm long, void, hirsute without, 6-8-celled; 1 ovule in each cell; style columnar, 5 mm; stigma minutely fimbricate. Fruit a berry, yellow, ovoid, 2.5 cm long, 1.5 cm across, fleshy, epicarp thin; seeds usually 1, oblong-ellipsoid, laterally compressed.

Economic Importance: 

Its timber is valuable, the fruit is edible, and it is used in traditional medicine. As the trees give thick shade and flowers emit fragrance, it is a prized collection of gardens.

Medicinal Importance:

Various parts of the tree have medicinal properties. It is used in the treatment and maintenance of oral hygiene. Rinsing mouth with water solution made with bakul helps in strengthening the teeth. It also prevents bad breath and helps keep the gums healthy.

Cultural Importance:

Religious Importance: Mimusops elengi is considered as a sacred plant among Hindus and has obtained important place in religious texts as well as in ancient Sanskrit literature. Its fragrant flowers are celebrated in the Puranas and even placed amongst the flowers of the Hindu paradise.